Honolulu is warm and mostly dry, with highs of 81–90°F (27–32°C) all year. The packing problem is the reef: Hawaii bans sunscreen with oxybenzone and octinoxate since 2021, so bring a reef-safe formula and shoes for the Diamond Head hike.
Honolulu weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 81°F27°C | 81°F27°C | 82°F28°C | 84°F29°C | 84°F29°C | 88°F31°C | 88°F31°C | 90°F32°C | 90°F32°C | 88°F31°C | 84°F29°C | 82°F28°C |
| Low | 68°F20°C | 68°F20°C | 70°F21°C | 72°F22°C | 72°F22°C | 75°F24°C | 75°F24°C | 77°F25°C | 75°F24°C | 73°F23°C | 72°F22°C | 70°F21°C |
| Rain days | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
Season by season
Winter
December–MarchWarm and a little wetter. Highs run 81–82°F (27–28°C) and lows 68–70°F (20–21°C), with 4–5 rain days a month. Pack beachwear, a light layer for evenings and reef-safe sunscreen.
Spring
April–MayMild and pleasant. Highs average 84°F (29°C) with 5 rain days each month. Bring swimwear, sun protection and shoes for hiking.
Summer
June–SeptemberHot and dry. Highs hit 88–90°F (31–32°C), and July to September average 1 rain day each. Pack breathable clothes, a big bottle and mineral sunscreen.
What to bring to Honolulu
0 of 22 packed- Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel PillowSleep & Comfort
The flight to Honolulu is long from most places, and a neck pillow helps you sleep.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Grippy sneakers handle the steep, rocky Diamond Head trail.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A breathable sneaker for Diamond Head and long walks in Waikiki.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Summer highs of 88–90°F (31–32°C) make a cold bottle essential on hikes.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Clogs handle the beach and pool.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone and keys dry at Waikiki beach.
Compression socks help on the long flight over the Pacific.
Clothing
- Swimwear · 2
- Rash guard · 1Cuts down on sunscreen for the reef
- Breathable shorts and tops · 5 setsHighs of 27–32°C all year
- Light evening layer · 1Dec–Mar lows of 20–21°C
- Beach cover-up · 1Cover up when you leave the beach
Footwear
- Sandals · 1 pairWaikiki and town
Gear
- Wide-brim sun hat · 1Diamond Head is steep and exposed
- Sunglasses · 1
- Small daypack · 1Water and sun gear for Diamond Head
- Snorkel mask · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen · 1Oxybenzone and octinoxate banned since 2021
- After-sun gel · 1
- Insect repellent · 1Trails and evenings
Documents and money
- ID or passport · 1Passport needed from outside the US
Tech
- Plug adapter (non-US visitors) · 1Type A and B sockets at 120V
What shoes should you pack for Honolulu?
Sandals and sneakers. Sandals cover Waikiki. Sneakers with grip are best for the Diamond Head hike and other trails.
What do people wear in Honolulu?
Casual clothes. Shorts and aloha shirts are normal, and many restaurants are relaxed. Cover up when you leave the beach.
Do you need reef-safe sunscreen in Honolulu?
Yes. Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreen with oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2021. Bring a mineral formula from home.
What should you pack for Diamond Head?
Sneakers, water and sun protection. The hike is short but steep and exposed. Start early to beat the heat.
What plugs does Honolulu use?
Hawaii uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. US and Canadian plugs fit without an adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter; most phone and laptop chargers handle the voltage fine.
Tours and things to do in Honolulu
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Honolulu.
What should you leave at home for Honolulu?
Heavy coats, formal wear and chemical sunscreen. Lows stay above 68°F (20°C), and dress codes are relaxed.
Packing for Honolulu: questions people ask
What should I wear in Honolulu in December?
Light clothes and a layer. December averages a 82°F (28°C) high, a 70°F (21°C) low and 5 rain days.
Is sunscreen banned in Hawaii?
Sunscreen with oxybenzone and octinoxate is banned since 2021. Bring a reef-safe formula.
What shoes do I need for Diamond Head?
Sneakers with grip. The trail is steep and rocky.
What is the hottest month in Honolulu?
August and September, each with a 90°F (32°C) average high.
Do I need an adapter in Hawaii?
Not from the US. Sockets are Type A and B at 120V.
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